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Food & Wine Classic in Charleston Returns for Second Year

The Food & Wine Classic in Charleston is set to return to the picturesque Lowcountry of South Carolina this fall, promising an exciting showcase of culinary craftsmanship, talented chefs, and the warm hospitality synonymous with the South. Scheduled for November 14–16, this eagerly awaited annual event follows a successful debut last year. Tickets will become available on May 15 at 12 p.m. ET, and given the popularity of the inaugural event, they are expected to sell quickly.

This year’s festival continues to be a partnership among Explore Charleston, Dotdash Meredith’s Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure. It aims to highlight both national culinary figures and the region’s unique flavors. The Food & Wine Classic in Charleston has garnered accolades, recently being recognized as the top new festival by USA Today’s 10Best, all within the enchanting backdrop of Charleston’s historic streets, rich architecture, and vibrant food scene.

This year’s lineup features a star-studded roster of culinary luminaries, including Emeril and EJ Lagasse, Gail Simmons, Kwame Onwuachi, Tyler Florence, Maneet Chauhan, Andrew Zimmern, Melissa King, Claudette Zepeda, and Carrie Morey. Beverage aficionados such as Julia Coney, Wanda Mann, Amanda McCrossin, Anthony Giglio, and Ray Isle from Food & Wine will host tastings and seminars, providing insights into exquisite wine and spirit pairings.

Culinary legends representing Charleston’s gastronomic heritage will also take center stage, with notable chefs like Mike Lata, James London, Hector Garate, Femi Oyediran, and Miles White, who are all instrumental in shaping the region’s culinary identity.

Hunter Lewis, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, expressed enthusiasm about returning to Charleston, stating, “We’re excited to return to Charleston for another unforgettable weekend of world-class culinary experiences. Charleston’s rich food culture, breathtaking scenery, and signature Southern hospitality create an atmosphere unlike any other. We’re looking forward to spotlighting this dynamic culinary destination and bringing together our passionate culinary community to celebrate, learn, and savor everything this vibrant city has to offer.”

The Grand Tasting Pavilion will again play a central role in the festival, bringing together an impressive array of winemakers, distillers, and chefs who will share samples and stories behind their distinctive flavors.

Returning favorites will also feature at the event, such as Southern Living’s Lowcountry Tailgate, which promises a lively outdoor experience along the Kiawah River. Attendees can look forward to iconic barbecue from pitmasters like Hector Garate, along with live music that encapsulates the spirit of Southern tailgating. Sid Evans, editor-in-chief of Southern Living, highlighted the event’s significance, saying, “With the South’s best barbecue, a red-hot Southern band, and a breathtaking setting, this event is a true celebration of Lowcountry tailgating and Southern culture.”

The festival will also include curated experiences led by Travel + Leisure’s editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford, highlighting the city’s renowned dining and shopping landscape. “We’re thrilled to partner with small businesses to offer special experiences to ticket holders,” she noted.

For those interested in attending, tickets and a complete schedule can be found at foodandwineclassicincharleston.com.

Source
www.foodandwine.com